Iqaluit woman with disability can take care of herself, thank you very much

"Know that if I want help, I'll ask for help when needed"

NUNATSIAQ NEWS

My name is Naiomie Hanson-Akavak and I am 28 years old, living in Iqaluit Nunavut.

I have been living with a physical disability for my entire life, which is cerebral palsy that affects the whole right side of my body and my speech.

I can’t believe what I witnessed last week. I can’t take it anymore and will not ever.

I decided to go out with my friends and just have a good time. I bought two drinks. I finished one drink and I couldn’t finish the second and it was full, so I give it away to a friend.

As I waited outside of the bar. I decided to sit alone and wait for my friend. People kept saying “get in a cab” and “are you okay?”

I calmly said I am waiting for my friend and they started to repeat over and over, “get in a cab, are you ok?” I then said, “I can take of myself” and got irritated.

By that time, my friend came and I overheard two people talking about me in front of me. Then I lost it, she said hurtful things and I straight up told her I could hear you, you know.

She tried to say sorry. I refused the apology.

What I am saying is just because I am disabled or you know my family or whatever, please don’t treat me any differently and know that I am a responsible person.

I know my limits and I only drink when I am up for it, and want to. I can fully take care of myself on my own. I know people are just looking out for me to make sure I am okay, and know that if I want help I’ll ask for help when needed. And know that I take no crap from anything or anyone too.

That’s my two cents.

Naiomie Hanson-Akavak
Iqaluit

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